Tall Tree Early Learning and Edith Cowan University (ECU) have bolstered their partnership to help answer the call for more Bachelor-qualified early childhood educators in Western Australia.

Data from Jobs and Skills Australia shows there are currently 73,700 degree-qualified early childhood teachers employed in Australia, a staggering 10% increase from the year prior. If trends continue, over the next five years another 34,000 jobs will be needed to fill the sector.

Today, there is an estimated shortage of approximately 1,500 early childhood teachers nation-wide.

A scholarship initiative between Edith Cowan University (ECU) and Tall Tree Early Learning is set to help meet that growing demand. Starting Semester 2, 2025, the new scholarship will enable four early learning educators to undertake a fast-tracked and fee-free Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Studies) at ECU.

The opportunity is available to Diploma Qualified Educators currently employed by Tall Tree Early Learning who meet ECU’s recognition of prior learning requirements.

Professor Caroline Mansfield, Executive Dean of Education at ECU said the collaboration was an integral move to get more highly qualified early childhood educators teaching in WA.

“We are thrilled to partner with Tall Tree Early Learning, a leading WA provider of early learning education, to offer full-fee paid scholarships for pre-service teachers, with a focus on early childhood education,” Professor Mansfield said.

The initiative builds on an existing partnership that provides placements and internships for ECU’s pre-service teachers.

“This new chapter of our partnership exemplifies ECU’s broader effort to enhance quality in the early childhood sector by increasing the number of qualified teachers, particularly those trained to work with children from birth to eight years.

“This exciting pathway will allow early childhood educators who haven’t completed a Bachelor’s degree an opportunity to do so, while still earning an income.”

Successful applicants will reduce their study length by up to 12 months, while continuing their paid employment. With two intakes per year, the program is designed to be flexible, achievable and transformational.

Dr Julie Boston, Director, Partnerships and Engagement from ECU’s School of Education said thanks to the support of Tall Tree Early Learning, the University can continue to help more experienced early childhood educators to follow their dream of becoming a teacher.

“At ECU, we are proud to work alongside progressive organisations like Tall Tree Early Learning, who recognise the value of professional learning pathways and are deeply committed to the development of their workforce,” Dr Boston said.

“This tailored fast-track model reflects ECU’s commitment to flexible, practice-informed teacher education and we’re excited to see the positive ripple effects this will have for educators, children and the wider early learning community.”

“Now more than ever, we welcome experienced early childhood educators to consider growing their skills through a degree qualification at ECU.”

Opportunities now open to educators:

• Course funding of up to three years (valued at approx. $14,000)*

• Two additional unpaid leave days per unit to support your study time

• Support with resource fees

• Ongoing professional and academic mentorship

• Recognition of academic achievement through bonus payments to top-performing students each semester

Rory Hindle, Managing Director at Tall Tree Early Learning said:

“This is more than a scholarship, it’s a long-term, strategic partnership between our organisation and higher education to invest in the growth of qualified early childhood teachers in our centres and in our sector. Through this initiative, we’re contributing to the ongoing development of our highly skilled educators, investing directly in our team and children’s futures.”

Elaine Whelan, Head of People & Culture at Tall Tree Early Learning said:

“We know that access to higher education can be a barrier for many educators who are balancing work, life and financial commitments. This partnership removes those barriers and empowers our team to advance their careers, further their qualifications and make a deeper impact on the lives of children and families. It’s a bold investment, but one that’s aligned with our vision to lead the sector and our commitment to growing futures.”

*Terms and conditions apply. Course value is an estimate only.

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